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New York JFK JFK

The ARK at JFK in New York, United States: where dogs go after landing, what to bring, and how collection usually works.

Plan this routeCabin, cargo, breed and crate checks
Dog airport guide for New York JFK
Dog arrival guide

The ARK at JFK

The ARK at JFK is the world's first privately owned 24/7 animal reception center, opened in a purpose-built 178,000-square-foot facility at JFK Airport. It includes the ARK Pet Oasis for companion animals, equine import/export quarantine stalls, an aviary quarantine center, and a full veterinary hospital designed in consultation with Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. The ARK is the only Port Authority-approved animal care facility at JFK and serves as the designated CDC Animal Care Facility for dogs entering from high-risk rabies countries. The facility handles approximately 70,000 animals annually, including dogs, cats, horses, birds, livestock, and exotic species.

All airportsOfficial facility page+1 212-973-3000

Collection Point

The ARK is located off the runway in Cargo Area D at JFK International Airport. It is NOT in any passenger terminal. From the passenger terminals, you can take a taxi directly to The ARK (specify 'Cargo Area D, The ARK' to your driver). The facility provides 24/7 access with free parking. If collecting a dog that arrived as cargo, you will need the Air Waybill (AWB) number and photo ID. For in-cabin arrivals, your dog clears with you at the passenger terminal through CBP. Contact your pet shipping agent or The ARK directly for collection timing — do not arrive without confirmation that your dog is ready.

Hours

24/7 (365 days a year)

Dog-Owner Tip

If your dog is arriving as manifest cargo, start the reservation process with The ARK at least 35 days before arrival. The ARK strongly recommends that all pets travel as manifest cargo (with an Air Waybill) rather than as excess baggage, as this simplifies the customs clearance process. For dogs arriving in-cabin with a passenger, you will clear CBP at the passenger terminal — The ARK is primarily for cargo arrivals. Expect processing to take at least one business day; overnight stays at The ARK are common and included at no extra charge. The ARK's on-site veterinary hospital can provide health certificates and emergency care if needed.

Facility map

Map the animal facility, not just the passenger terminal.

The critical address is usually the cargo, animal reception, quarantine or border-inspection facility. Use this as a starting map search, then confirm the exact entrance with the airline, facility or receiving agent before travelling.

  • AirportNew York JFK (JFK)
  • CityNew York, United States
  • FacilityThe ARK at JFK
  • Hours24/7 (365 days a year)
  • Phone+1 212-973-3000
Open in Google Maps Official facility
New York JFK airport location view

Before the flight

Send document scans early where the facility offers pre-checks, and confirm whether the airline treats your dog as cabin, checked baggage, AVIH or manifest cargo.

After landing

Wait for clearance updates. Cargo and animal reception facilities are often outside passenger terminals and may need a taxi, car or agent appointment.

What to carry

Bring photo ID, original veterinary documents, microchip details, airway bill numbers, agent contacts and a charged phone.